I have worked with Samtec for over four years, and I have enjoyed learning more about being part of an American company. I have been lucky enough to share some of the fun times with you including Independence Day and Thanksgiving. With the approach of Memorial Day, I wanted to spend some time learning more about the more thoughtful and poignant aspects of our shared heritage and how we remember those who have fallen. Every country commemorates its lost servicemen and women at different … [Read more...]

In this, the first part of a two-part series, we look at the role of artificial intelligence in the industrial arena. The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) has hit the headlines recently, as the latest generation of cloud-based AI tools promises to offer a major leap forward in the power of machines. In all the discussions about how AI will affect us, very few have talked about the hardware that these machines will require.  However powerful these machines become, they will still need … [Read more...]

We all seem to want more these days. When it comes to the speed of our electronic communication, we always want more data, delivered more quickly. As communication becomes ever-faster, an understanding of signal integrity is vital, especially the role that cables play in maintaining it. Samtec has recently released the second edition of the Signal Integrity Handbook. This much-awaited publication is trusted by SI professionals across the electronics industry, and I decided to find out … [Read more...]

Modern digital tools have changed forever how engineers design new products. The development of 3D modeling has revolutionized mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD). It has enabled engineers to develop new products quickly, in collaboration with colleagues around the world, and respond rapidly to changing demands. We have looked in the past at some of the advantages that 3D design brings to engineers. However, the mechanical aspect of any design is only part of the process. The … [Read more...]

It is always good to learn from someone who knows more than you! I recently had the chance to speak to our very own Istvan Novak about power integrity (PI), and it was very illuminating. Istvan is one of the key figures in the understanding of PI, and we are proud to have this award-winning engineer as part of the Samtec family. At Samtec, we often talk about Signal Integrity (SI) and our work to develop new high-speed connector solutions for the latest applications. As I write this, Samtec … [Read more...]

The New Year is a time to reflect on what has changed and what remains constant. The modern world is always in movement, and it can be hard to keep up. But it is important to remember that (in the immortal words of Canadian prog-rock giants Rush) the more things change, the more they stay the same. Over the Christmas holiday, I went with my family to the National Space Center here in the UK. It might seem strange to some to talk about the British space program but, despite its small scale, … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving has always been a time for togetherness, for being with those you care about, and for celebrating another year. However, there are times when being together is not possible. Over the last few years, travel has often been difficult, discouraged, or even forbidden, which has left many of us away from our loved ones for Thanksgiving. It is worth remembering that Thanksgiving was created by settlers who found themselves thousands of miles away from their original homes. They had … [Read more...]

What was the inspiration that got you into engineering? I am sure that I followed the same path as thousands, if not millions, before me. LEGO blocks and model kits gave me the thrill of creating my own machines, and they lit the spark that makes me the geek that I am now. However much I have always been fascinated with large machines, I have never been in a position to design one. My designs have always been small – connectors and backshells. The chance to work on the next Apollo … [Read more...]